This Week in Bioethics

1. Physician Assisted Suicide Pills Made Cheaper

Who doesn’t love a sale?! A new cocktail of drugs has been devised to make physician assisted suicide even cheaper in Washington State. Whereas the previous prescription would cost somewhere between $2,000-$5,000, the new mix is now priced at $500—a real steal! It’s no wonder why governments around the world are now driving people toward this option rather than focusing on pain management and real care for the elderly and dying.

2. New IVF Tourism in Europe

A forthcoming book will profile the new wave of reproductive technology tourism: “IVF Holidays in Europe.” According to new research, many Americans are using their IVF treatments to seek some rest and relaxation at the same time. The Czech Republic seems to be an especially popular spot. After all, no one wants to miss out on making money from this practice!

3. New Pro-Surrogacy Bill in California

California assemblyman David Chiu, who has just had a child through surrogacy, has authored a bill aiming to keep egg and sperm donors anonymous in surrogacy contracts, and grant jurisdiction to California courts during out-of-state arrangements. In other words, what this bill would do is offer even fewer protections to surrogate mothers and add a further level of anonymity for the child created from the process to later untangle. It’s a new low for an already shameful practice.

4. Surrogacy in India: An Intimate Profile

Julie Bindel, one of the world’s most prominent feminist campaigners against surrogacy, has published an account of her experience of going undercover in the surrogacy capital of India. She reveals a corrupt practice that is fueled by profit incentives and has little regard for the women that are involved. It’s a sad tale, but one that must be told, read, and shared.

5. CBC in the News: Don’t Miss our Annual Dinner

If you’re a person who cares about the latest in bioethics, then you certainly don’t want to miss one of the most important events of the year, the Center for Bioethics and Culture’s 13th Annual Paul Ramsey Award Dinner. Next Saturday, April 16th, bioethics leaders and friends from around the country will gather at Diablo Country Club to award Dr. Brent Waters with our annual award. For more information, visit here.